Abstract

Liver carries out body detoxification and performs major metabolic functions of the body. Therefore, an overload on this organ can disrupt the whole digestive system. Growing prevalence of liver diseases indicates nothing but an unconventional lifestyle which if improved can free one from liver troubles. Due to unavailability of hepatoprotective drugs in modern therapeutics, liver disease treatment in Ayurveda has gained importance due to its vast variety of herbal drugs that are more than capable of reducing liver damage and stimulating regeneration of hepatic cells.

Liver diseases remain one of the serious concerns worldwide, especially in India. But when the question arises, why do liver diseases happen? People who consume alcohol can still be understood as liver patients but why are others affected?

  • Ayurveda says that regular consumption of spicy and inflammatory foods, alcohol intake can aggravate Pitta Dosha.
  • Apart from food, infective conditions like hepatitis A, B and C can also cause chronic liver diseases.
  • Obesity, high blood pressure and autoimmune conditions increase one’s chances of having liver disease.

How Does Liver Disease Affect The Body

  • Passage of dark yellow urine even after proper hydration can indicate a liver disease.
  • Swelling is seen on various body parts like arms and legs. This swelling when pressed makes a pit in the skin and returns to its original position very slow. This is called pedal edema. 
  • Fluid buildup is seen in the stomach. This is called ascites.
  • Jaundice is another symptom of something being wrong with your liver. 
  • Body experiences weakness and pain along with unexplained weight loss.
  • The patient also experiences reduced appetite or pale coloured stools.

Herbs For Liver Disease Treatment

Liver disease treatment in Ayurveda is quite effective and safe. Ayurveda encourages use of various herbs like giloy, punarnava and kutki for liver disease treatment. Here are some important herbs of Ayurveda that are used for treating liver conditions:

  1. Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) - The use of kutki for liver disease is well-known in Ayurveda. Contrary to popular belief that all Ayurveda herbs are hot, kutki has a cold potency. It is bitter in taste, pacifies Vata and Kapha Dosha and improves digestion. It has antioxidant, anti-tumor and antimicrobial properties which makes it useful in infectious conditions. It also has hepatoprotective properties helping in restoring liver health after alcohol abuse. It is also used in the treatment of jaundice, hepatitis etc. 
  2. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) - Punarnava literally translates to new life. It is hot in potency and works to pacify Vata and Kapha Dosha. This herb is famous for its diuretic properties that help in reducing swelling in the body which is a common symptom in liver diseases. It blocks fibrogenesis in the liver and is useful in chronic toxic conditions. It has scrapping qualities useful in liver cirrhosis to scrape off dead tissue.
  3. Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) - It is cold in potency and acts on pacifying Pitta  and Kapha Dosha. It is widely used for treating hepatitis due to its anti-viral properties. It also reduces cell damage due to overuse of medicinal drugs. It is useful in bleeding conditions thereby complications of liver disease like esophageal varices can be managed with the use of bhumyamalaki.
  4. Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) - Giloy is also called amrita. It acts to pacify all the three doshas. Though it is hot in potency, it reduces inflammation in the body. Use of giloy improves Kupffer cell (specialised liver cells) function thus improving liver activity. It is rejuvenating in nature. It combats weakness by improving body  strength and digestive fire. It also provides an anti-fibrotic effect on the liver.

Conclusion

Liver is a vital organ of the body, hence, it is essential to protect and nurture it so that we can reap its benefits our whole life. In addition to healthy lifestyle changes,use of herbs in the form of remedies can manage liver diseases. Even if the condition is chronic, the above mentioned herbs never fail to work their magic.It should be noted that one must stay clear of all liver poisoning substances like alcohol and drugs. Only then, can one reap the full benefits of these herbs.